ZOTAC GeForce GT 710 2GB Graphics Card: features, specs and who it suits

The ZOTAC GeForce GT 710 is a small, fanless graphics card for desktop PCs. It is an entry-level card built to add display outputs and basic graphics acceleration, rather than to run demanding games. Here is what its specs mean and where a card like this fits.

What it is for

ZOTAC and NVIDIA describe it as an upgrade over integrated graphics for web browsing, photo and video playback, light editing and casual gaming. In practice, a GT 710 is typically chosen to add monitor outputs to a PC that has none, to drive several screens, or to revive an older system. It is not aimed at modern 3D games.

Core specs

The card uses the NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 with 192 CUDA cores, 2GB of DDR3 memory on a 64-bit bus, a 954 MHz engine clock and a 1600 MHz memory clock. A 64-bit bus limits memory bandwidth, which is one reason the card suits light workloads. It connects through PCI Express 2.0, and PCIe cards are generally backward and forward compatible with newer slots, though check the manual.

Outputs and multi-monitor use

There are three connectors: one dual-link DVI (up to 2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz), one HDMI (up to 4K at 30 Hz) and one VGA (up to 2048 x 1536 at 60 Hz). ZOTAC lists triple display support. The 4K at 30 Hz figure means HDMI is fine for office use and video playback but not for smooth 4K desktop motion. Using all three outputs requires matching cables or adapters for your monitors.

Fanless, low-profile design

The card is passively cooled, so it makes no fan noise, which suits quiet systems and media PCs. Passive cards depend on case airflow, so a closed, poorly ventilated case can run warmer. It is a single-slot, low-profile card at about 5.7 x 1.1 x 4.3 inches and 0.4 lb, and the package includes a low-profile bracket for small cases.

Power and software

ZOTAC lists a maximum power consumption of 25 watts and recommends a 300-watt power supply. The card draws power through the slot, so no extra power cable is mentioned. Supported software includes DirectX 12 (feature level 11_0), OpenGL 4.5 and OpenCL. NVIDIA lists PureVideo HD, FXAA, PhysX, CUDA and Adaptive Vertical Sync. The listed operating systems run from Windows XP through Windows 10, so check driver availability for newer systems on NVIDIA's site. In the box: the card, a low-profile bracket, a driver disk and a manual.

Who it suits

It suits small-form-factor and office PCs that need extra display outputs, quiet home-theatre PCs, and older machines with a free PCIe slot. It does not suit anyone wanting modern game performance or heavy video editing.

What to check before you buy

• Slot and space: you need a free PCIe slot, and the right bracket for your case.
• Monitor inputs: match DVI, HDMI and VGA to your displays and cables.
• Resolution: HDMI is limited to 4K at 30 Hz.
• Power supply: check your PSU against the recommended 300 watts.
• Drivers: confirm support for your operating system.
• Airflow: passive cooling needs some case ventilation.
• Expectations: this is basic graphics, not a gaming card.

The short version

• A fanless, low-profile, single-slot NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 card with 2GB DDR3.
• DVI, HDMI and VGA outputs, with triple display support.
• 25 W maximum power, 300 W power supply recommended.
• DirectX 12 (feature level 11_0) and OpenGL 4.5.
• Suited to basic display needs and light tasks.

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